Government, Industry Must Strive for Complementary as well as Collaborative RelationshipsExperts at AFCEA Homeland Security Conference agree that both sectors offer different but valuable expertise.

For immediate release - March 13, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC—Government agencies must unclog the lines of communication with industry, and the commercial sector must be willing to share information if progress toward homeland security is ever to accelerate. This was the consensus of experts speaking at the AFCEA Homeland Security Conference this week in Washington, D.C.

Even if fully funded, the U.S. military may not be prepared for full-spectrum combat until 2020.

For immediate release - February 13, 2015

San Diego—The U.S. military is enduring greater hardship from budget cuts than it has under previous downturns, agreed uniformed and civilian leaders speaking at WEST 2015 in San Diego this week. Unlike other postwar periods, the current environment is more dynamic and hostile than any in the past, when the United States found itself in better security environments than it does today.

Corporate members benefit from special pricing on business performance solutions.

For immediate release - January 30, 2015

To help its corporate members improve services to their employees, AFCEAInternational has entered into a relationship with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources and business performance solutions. Corporate members receive special pricing on select Insperity business performance solutions.

Sea Service Leaders to Discuss Priorities, Cybersecurity and Strategic Stability

WEST 2015 Conference will explore balancing budgets and mission requirements.

For Immediate Release - January 15, 2015

San Diego—Striking the right balance between meeting higher demands during a time of shrinking budgets is a challenge that all of the military services are facing. On the table are prioritization, personnel and procurement, each a variable and each crucial to successful missions.

Fairfax, VA—Adm. James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), has joined SIGNAL Media as a monthly columnist in SIGNAL Magazine. As author of the “Incoming” column, Adm. Stavridis will be offering his insights into the critical topics that militaries and governments face today. His first column, featured in the January issue of SIGNAL, takes on the hottest issue in light of the hack into Sony Pictures’ systems: cybersecurity.

Fairfax, Virginia—The U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency is being tasked with an operational role in the cyber domain, namely network defense. This role formalizes the existing relationship between the agency, U.S. Cyber Command and the military services; integrates network operations and defense; and aims at improving network security.

FAIRFAX, Virginia — Internal and external forces are changing how the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) carries out its missions and are challenging the U.S. strategic rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region. Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, USN, PACOM’s commander, says the budgetary uncertainty of the past two years is “a business model that we wouldn’t want to continue to repeat.” In addition, uncertainty in North Korea and the spread of terrorism are major concerns for the command.

Educational Foundation awards thousands of dollars to assist students and teachers.

For immediate release - September 22, 2014

FAIRFAX, Virginia — The facts speak for themselves. A study by the National Math + Science Initiative, a public-private partnership, revealed that in 2013, only 44 percent of U.S. high school graduates were prepared enough to take college-level math courses, and only 36 percent were prepared for a college-level science curriculum.

The AFCEA Educational Foundation is helping address this problem through scholarships and grants;
annually, the foundation awards $2 million.

Discussions at AFCEA/INSA event bring to light challenges in balancing transparency and security.

For immediate release - September 19, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC—Debates about transparency within the Intelligence Community (IC) continue as leaks imperil relationships with allies and embolden enemies. Addressing these and other challenges was the focal point of the AFCEA/INSAIntelligence and National Security Summit 2014 in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Army Officials Reveal Several SurprisesSpeakers at AFCEA International’s TechNet Augusta conference describe near- and long-term modifications to business as usual.

For immediate release - September 12, 2014

AUGUSTA, Georgia – Cloud computing, acquisition and the Joint Information Environment (JIE) are among the most talked about topics in the U.S. Defense Department, and some military leaders may consider the status quo adequate. But U.S. Army leaders speaking at TechNet Augusta 2014 described several changes in thinking that will likely influence the way the service does business now and in the future.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James to speak at AFCEA International Air Operations Symposium.

For immediate release - September 4, 2014

FAIRFAX, Virginia—Air operations over Northern Iraq, Afghanistan and other world trouble spots demonstrate the complexity of delivering humanitarian aid while combating terrorism. Equally challenging is the integration of evolving air capabilities to support domestic security and relief needs in the crowded U.S. airspace. To encourage discussion of these vital topics among the military, government, commercial and academic sectors, AFCEA International is teaming with its Alamo Chapter to present the Air Operations Symposium “Diverse Missions, One Airspace” March 31-April 2, 2015, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio.

Inaugural Intelligence & National Security Summit Features U.S. Intelligence Community LeadersAFCEA-INSA September 18-19 unclassified conference designed to encourage strategic dialogue about intelligence effectiveness, transparency and accountability.

For immediate release - September 2, 2014

WASHINGTON, DC – To promote greater transparency into the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) across public, private, academic and international sectors, senior IC leaders, including Director of National Intelligence Jim Clapper, FBI Director James Comey, and NSA Director Admiral Michael S. Rogers, USN, are participating in the Intelligence & National Security Summit September 18-19, in Washington, D.C.

FAIRFAX, Virginia—AFCEA International announced today that it has selected Dell as a Strategic Partner. AFCEA strategic partners are member companies that are distinguished by the significant service, support and participation they provide to help the association fulfill its mission.

FAIRFAX, Virginia—The facts speak for themselves. A study by the National Math + Science Initiative (https://www.nms.org/), a public-private partnership, revealed that in 2013, only 44 percent and only 36 percent of U.S. high school graduates were ready for college-level math and science, respectively. These numbers are staggering, so last year the AFCEA Educational Foundation decided to help do something about them.

Fairfax, VA—Government agencies and the private sector must determine ways to cooperate to defeat cyberthreats or both could face catastrophic consequences. For the commercial sector, individual companies or even entire economic sectors could face total collapse. For the government, the critical infrastructure could suffer attacks that permanently alter the way of life for hundreds of millions of people.

For immediate release - June 25, 2014
AFCEA International is pleased to announce the appointment of Lt. Gen. Robert “Bob” M. Shea, USMC (Ret.), as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the association, effective August 1, 2014. Gen. Shea succeeds Kent Schneider, who served as AFCEA's president and chief executive officer for seven years.

Linda Gooden has been elected to serve as AFCEA International’s chair of the board of directors. In this role, she oversees the association’s Executive and Compensation committees and participates on the AFCEA Educational Foundation board of directors.

Adm. Michael S. Rogers, USN, commander, U.S. Cyber Command, and director of the National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, sees collaboration between government agencies and industry as a key element to making the cyber domain “tangible” to commanders and policy makers. "It takes all of us working together to make this work," Adm. Rogers says.

Through its annual awards program, AFCEA International recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals in the communications, electronics, intelligence and information technology disciplines. The awards will be presented on June 23, 2014, before the AFCEA International Cyber Symposium June 24-25 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Baltimore, MD—Lt. Gen. Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr., USAF, director, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), said his organization is altering its internal operational methods by converging into a single service environment. The change is part of the agency’s support to the U.S. Defense Department’s move toward the Joint Information Environment (JIE).

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, USA, views the Joint Information Environment (JIE) “among the first concrete changes along the path to constructing Joint Force 2020.” Gen. Dempsey envisions this new data-centric—rather than network-centric—approach as a way to improve military mission effectiveness, combat persistent interoperability challenges, improve cybersecurity and enable commanders to blend the art of command with the science of control.

A BSI Global Research Incorporated survey of 208 chief executive officers of privately held U.S. businesses revealed that people with technology/engineering skills to create the innovative capabilities that companies depend on so they can do more with less are particularly in high demand. To encourage young adults worldwide who are developing leadership abilities while improving their IT skills, AFCEA International acknowledges Young AFCEANs with annual awards.

Fairfax, VA—In light of changes in the Asia-Pacific region and a shrinking defense budget, the U.S. sea services are proceeding cautiously to finalize the maritime strategy. When agility is required not only onboard ships but also within boardrooms, military leaders are asking tough questions. What lessons did the U.S. learn from its experience in Afghanistan? What industry-based issues must be considered? How should activity in China factor into future plans?

Economics experts concur and statistics confirm that the U.S. needs to boost its tech-savvy work force. Expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a must to remain competitive in a global economy that depends on technology. However, with the cost of higher education soaring, talented students must navigate the gap between pursuing and affording an education that addresses this issue. The AFCEA Educational Foundation helps bridge this gap.

The recent U.S. strategic pivot toward the Pacific has placed that region at the forefront of change in the military. Where in the recent past activities in the area of responsibility (AOR) for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) defined military needs, now the requirements for the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) are emerging as the leading edge of the defense technology sword.

Fairfax, VA—Scientists working on a nanotechnology initiative that involves more than two dozen government agencies say that tiny is poised to be the titan of future technologies. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which also is engaging industry, academic partners and international participants, aims at moving discoveries from the laboratory into products that benefit both the military and public.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM—New intelligence approaches and capabilities are required to meet Europe’s collective security needs. To address these challenges, AFCEA Intelligence is hosting the second Global Intelligence Forum on December 10-11, 2013, at Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels, Belgium. The program brings together speakers from the European Union, NATO, special interest groups, law enforcement agencies, academia and traditional defense and security organizations.

FAIRFAX, VA—Information technology security, big data analysis and interoperability are three of the hottest topics today, particularly in light of questions about how much personal information government agencies are collecting and how they are sharing it. Subject matter experts share their insights and solutions concerning these matters in three free white papers that can be downloaded from the SIGNAL Online Resource Library. They look at technologies and a business model that ensure that organizations that collect information can keep it safe and share it appropriately.

FAIRFAX, VA—MILCOM 2013 will take place November 18-20, 2013 in San Diego. Now in its 32nd year, MILCOM is the premier international conference and exposition for military communications. Gathering the leading minds of government, military, industry and academia, MILCOM offers an interactive forum to further explore, define and leverage commercial and defense technologies.

FAIRFAX, VA—Cell phones and social networks can endanger corporate security when organizations fail to train employees, establish policies and enforce safe surfing. For example, a financial adviser could innocently open a Facebook page that inadvertently accesses and installs a malicious Facebook application on his tablet. Malware contained in the application could enable external access to his email account, and a hacker could grab confidential financial data via his professional corporate email account. Legal action is pursued.

Documentary on the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II Airs Nationwide on PBS

“We Served Too” Tells Forgotten Story of Heroes, Injustice and Perseverance

“We didn’t fly for fanfare or glory, we flew because our country needed us.”

—WASP Deanie Parrish

For immediate release - October 8, 2013

Washington, DC—On November 11, Veterans Day, Americans nationwide can witness a remarkable, forgotten piece of our country’s history with the PBS airing of We Served Too: The Story of the Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II. With male combat pilots sent to the Pacific and European theaters during World War II, a group of American women stepped up to serve the nation by taking on domestic wartime flight duties. The 1,074 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) flew more than 60 million air miles, and flew every plane in the U.S. arsenal. But because they were not official military, there were no benefits and no recognition. In at least one case, the group of women had to pool funds to send home the remains of a fallen colleague.

Lt. Gen. John R. Wood, USA (Ret.), Joins AFCEA International as Executive Vice President for Defense

For Immediate Release - October 1, 2013

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International is pleased to announce the appointment of LTG John R. (Bob) Wood, USA (Ret.), as Executive Vice President for Defense. In this capacity, General Wood will be responsible for engagement within the defense, government, military, industry and academic communities. He will develop and organize AFCEA events and work closely with the DoD to ensure event compliance with ethics rules. He also will oversee the AFCEA Defense Committee. General Wood succeeds LTG John Dubia, USA (Ret.), in this position.

AFCEA International and its Chapters promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month through Webinars, Events and Radio Shows

For Immediate Release September 30, 2013

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA is honored to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign’s National Network and recognize this October’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

AFCEA PRESENTS ITS MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AT AFCEA INTERNATIONAL HONORS

September 25 Ceremony Recognizes GEN Keith Alexander, GEN Dennis Via,

Minister H.E. Vlastimil Picek, and Randall Cieslak

For Immediate Release September 27, 2013

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International is pleased to announce the presentation of its most prestigious awards. On September 25, three hundred members and guests of the Association gathered in Washington, D.C. to honor the following award winners:

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International will host the first TechNet Augusta in the Augusta Marriott Convention Center on September 10-12. The overall theme of this conference and exposition focuses on the Army, including Joint Component interface, other Department of Defense organizations, Inter-Agency, Industry, and Academia, to discuss the importance of the network, security issues, and training to enable operational forces to modernize and be ready to meet emerging challenges in 2020 and beyond. The conference offers numerous training opportunities and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)/CMUs.

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International will bring its cyber symposium to the Baltimore Convention Center June 25-27. The overall theme of this cyber conference and exposition focuses on engaging the key players, including the U.S. Government, the International Community, Industry and Academia, to discuss the development of robust cyberspace capabilities and partnerships. The conference offers numerous training opportunities and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)/CMUs.

FAIRFAX, VA— Gen. Keith B. Alexander, director of the National Security Agency and commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, wants to combine forces from the military communications and intelligence communities to combat a broad cyber threat that he describes as “only going to get worse.”

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International is pleased to announce its 2013 individual award winners. A majority of these awards were presented on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at East: Joint Warfighting 2013 in Virginia Beach, VA. For more information please visit www.afcea.org/awards.

FAIRFAX, VA—The largest defense conference and exposition in the Hampton Roads region returns to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, May 14-16, 2013. EAST: Joint Warfighting 2013 is co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, with support from the NDIA Greater Hampton Roads Chapter and the AFCEA Hampton Roads and Tidewater Chapters. The conference is free for military/government; exhibits pass registration (including engagement theater sessions) is free; there is a conference registration fee for industry.

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International announced today that Ms. Jill Singer and Mr. John Gilligan have been selected as the new co-chairs for the AFCEA Cyber Committee. In this position, they will work with the committee to coordinate and enhance AFCEA’s outreach to the responsible communities, and to cultivate a spirit of partnership among the public and private sectors. Committees also serve as a forum to develop new ideas regarding technical, operational challenges and capabilities in support of AFCEA chapters and members worldwide and other information exchange services.

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA’s twelfth annual Homeland Security Conference, “Securing the Homeland: Working Together, Keeping the Nation Safe”, will be hosted at the Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, D.C., February 26-28, 2013. Attendees include government and industry leaders, CIOs, and program managers involved in operations, policy and procurement. Additionally, the Conference will include several roundtables this year, focusing on Chief Information Officers, Procurement Executives, and Collaboration when Disaster Strikes. The Keynote Speakers include:

AFCEA/U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE DEFENSE AND IT CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO

For Immediate Release December 18, 2012

FAIRFAX, VA—The largest defense and IT conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, January 29-31, 2013. At West 2013, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme “Pivot to the Pacific: What are the Practical and Global Implications?” The 22nd annual conference, which is expected to draw more than 12,000 people, covers key issues facing the military including defense budgets, fiscal cliff, cybersecurity, innovation, and retention. Attendees can see, touch and try out the latest communications, homeland security, biometrics and defense technologies from 400 exhibitors. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

FAIRFAX, VA—The Honorable Paul A. Schneider, Principal at the Chertoff Group, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and former Under Secretary for Management at DHS, has been selected to chair the AFCEA Homeland Security Committee. As the committee’s chairman, he will provide direction to the members of the AFCEA Homeland Security Committee, helping guide AFCEA’s outreach to security professionals in both government and industry.

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International, an international association that serves its members by providing a forum for the ethical exchange of information, today announced the launch of a Federated Identity Campaign at its TechNet Land Forces East conference in Baltimore, MD.

The Honorable James R. Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, to receive AFCEA’s highest award

For Immediate Release August 7, 2012

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International is pleased to announce that The Honorable James R. Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, has been selected as the 2012 David Sarnoff Award winner.

AFCEA established the David Sarnoff Award, its highest honor, to recognize individuals who have made lasting and significant contributions to global peace and security. Each recipient in his unique way has demonstrated a sustained and personal commitment to information-sharing collaboration across traditional and non-traditional boundaries.

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International will bring the third of its TechNet Land Forces series to the Baltimore Convention Center August 14-16. The overall theme of this cyber conference and exposition focuses on the ground component of the Army and Marine Corps, including components of U.S. Cyber Command, Army Cyber Command, Marine Corps Forces Cyber Command, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, 24th Air Force Cyber, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Academia, and Industry Partners. The operational theme, “Cyberspace Operations - Prevent, Shape, Win” will highlight the operational security focus of DoD and Industry Networks, and Cyber Operations with Joint and Coalition partners, to prevent, shape, and win future cyber conflicts. Government, industry, and academia leaders will address a broad range of topics and focus on opportunities for Cyber Superiority.

FAIRFAX, VA—AFCEA International returns to the Tampa Convention Center July 10-12 with its TechNet Land Forces South conference and exposition. The TechNet Land Forces conference series recently evolved from and replaces the annual LandWarNet Conference. The operational theme “Connecting Joint and Coalition Partners for the Next Fight” focuses on how the DoD teams with Joint, Coalition, Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs), and Interagency Organizations to overcome the tests we will face in the future. This conference will not only look at the missions of deployed forces, but also how the U.S. protects the Homeland Borders. DoD, government, industry, and academia speakers will address critical topics and focus on the challenges of working with Joint, Coalition, and NGOs to ensure the command and control is effective and safe throughout the operating spaces.

AFCEA INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES THE ELECTION OF ALFRED GRASSO AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

For Immediate Release May 29, 2012

FAIRFAX, VA —Mr. Alfred Grasso, President and Chief Executive Officer, The MITRE Corporation, has been elected to lead AFCEA International. Mr. Grasso will serve as Chairman of the Board and will oversee the Association’s Executive Committee and Compensation Committee and participate on the AFCEA Educational Foundation Board of Directors. He succeeds Ms. Natalie Givans, Senior Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton, in this position.

FAIRFAX, VA— The largest defense conference and exposition in the Hampton Roads region returns to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, May 15-17, 2012. The Joint Warfighting Conference is co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, with support from the NDIA Greater Hampton Roads Chapter and the AFCEA Hampton Roads and Tidewater Chapters. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for luncheons.

FAIRFAX, VA—The largest defense conference and exposition in the Hampton Roads region returns to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, May 15-17, 2012. The Joint Warfighting Conference is co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, with support from the NDIA Greater Hampton Roads Chapter and the AFCEA Hampton Roads and Tidewater Chapters. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for luncheons.

The TechNet Land Forces conference series recently evolved from and replaces the annual LandWarNet Conference. The purpose is to provide a forum for the Army and Marine Corps, as well as DoD Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard security forces, to discuss issues and share ideas for solutions. Each event will have a different regional and operational focus.

AFCEA’s investment is a long-term solution to develop more skilled and motivated teachers of STEM subjects

For Immediate Release February 22, 2012

FAIRFAX, VA – AFCEA International and the AFCEA Educational Foundation are expanding the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teacher Scholarship Program for the second year in a row to help address the growing shortage of young Americans educated in STEM subjects. AFCEA’s investment is a long-term solution to develop more skilled and motivated teachers of STEM subjects who will inspire and prepare students to study and be successful in STEM fields.

West 2012 Defense & IT Conference at the San Diego Convention Center, January 24-26

“America’s Military at the Crossroads:

What’s Out and What’s In for 2012 and Beyond?”

For Immediate Release January 19, 2012

The AFCEA-USNI West Conference and Expo is the largest event on the West Coast for communications, electronics, aviation, shipbuilding, intelligence, information systems, imaging, military weapon systems, and more. It will feature top military, government, and industry speakers; compelling panel sessions; and top-notch exhibits.

AFCEA/U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE DEFENSE AND IT CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO

Focusing on the Future of America’s Military

For Immediate Release January 5, 2012

FAIRFAX, VA—The largest defense and IT conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, January 24-26, 2012. At West 2012, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme “America’s Military at the Crossroads: What’s Out and What’s In for 2012 and Beyond?” The 21st annual conference, which is expected to draw more than 12,000 people, covers hot issues facing the military including defense budgets, cyber warfare, China, and much more. Attendees can see, touch and try out the latest communications, homeland security, biometrics and defense technologies from 400 exhibitors. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals.

FAIRFAX, VA— AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute are pleased to announce that TECHEXPO will hold a career fair on the first day of their West Conference in San Diego, California. As demand for employees with Government and Military experience continues, the TECHEXPO hiring event at West 2012 will offer a richer experience for all attendees. Defense contractors, federal agencies, government service companies and others will interview applicants for hundreds of available positions. The job fair will take place during the first day of West 2012 on January 24, 2012 at the San Diego Convention Center. Registration for the West 2012 conference and exposition and the TECHEXPO job fair is free.